OAK RIDGE, TN -  Three Oak Ridge Schools have been named Reward Schools by the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE). Glenwood Elementary, Linden Elementary and Willow Brook Elementary were named for “exemplifying student success in achievement and growth,” according to a letter of recognition signed by Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds.

The recognition reflects the work and achievement of the 2024-25 school year and is based on each school’s federal accountability score—a complex calculation that includes numerical scores for student achievement, student growth, chronic absenteeism and the proficiency of English Language Learners, or students whose first language is not English. Willow Brook and Glenwood earn the distinction for the third-consecutive year, while Linden Elementary receives Reward School status again after being recognized for the 2022-23 school year.  

“Reward School status is a tremendous honor and something we aim for every year,” said Dr. Bruce Borchers, Superintendent of Oak Ridge Schools. “Schools are being evaluated more than ever, but at the core of each of these designations is a focus on doing what’s best for students.”

Reward status is the top distinction a school can earn in Tennessee and is determined by a nation-wide, federal calculation. School Letter Grades, which were introduced in December of 2023, are determined by the state. Both designations rely heavily on student test scores to determine levels of student achievement and growth.

In addition to the Reward School designations, Robertsville Middle School has been designated as a Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) school. This single-year designation is assigned based on the performance of specific subpopulation student groups whose scores were low enough to be flagged for improvement. If there is a demonstrated improvement in those subgroups this year, Robertsville will no longer carry a TSI designation moving forward. This data helps Robertsville make informed instructional decisions to ensure they are serving students with the highest needs.

“While I am disappointed with our TSI Designation, our staff is using it as motivation to dig deeper into our instructional practices to ensure we’re meeting the needs of all students,” said Brian Tinker, Interim Principal of Robertsville Middle School. “We appreciate the opportunity to identify our areas of weakness so that we can intentionally increase our support in those areas and have a positive impact on the students that need it most.”

While growth and achievement represent the majority of the Federal Accountability score, Chronic Absenteeism accounts for 10% of each school’s score and directly impacts a school’s ability to earn Reward School status. A student is considered chronically absent if they miss more than 10% of the days that they are enrolled, including absences that are excused by a doctor’s note. Aside from the direct impact that Chronic Absenteeism has on a school’s Federal Accountability score calculation, it also has a negative impact on the chronically absent student’s ability to achieve grade level expectations. Students who are not present at school are not receiving the instruction needed for successful outcomes. For example, at Robertsville, 81% of Chronically Absent Students in 2024-25 did not meet grade level expectations in ELA. This reduces Robertsville’s score in the Chronic Absenteeism category while also reducing the school’s score in the overall achievement category.

“Our school is committed to reviewing the data and making the necessary adjustments to do everything possible to serve our students,” said Tinker. “In the same vein, I would be remiss if I did not also ask for the support of our students, families and community partners to make attendance a priority so that together, we are making every effort available to provide all students with a best-in-class educational experience.”